Truck GPS is one of the essential accessories to have in your truck in today’s time. A truck GPS keeps you and the vehicle safe from getting into any accidents while you get confused searching for the right address or the right road to turn. It also helps you travel through the shortest possible route and maximizes the productivity. Moreover, you will have a comprehensive mapping software which you can use to find your destination without you getting lost. This article will help you if you want to know more about how the GPS system works and what things you should consider before buying it. We have also included and reviewed the best GPS systems available in the market to help you with your online shopping for the perfect GPS for your truck.

Top 10 Best Rated Truck GPS Systems

The Garmin Nuvi 2797LMT is a versatile and modern truck GPS that contains all the essential features that a truck GPS should possess. This GPS has a very easy-to-use interface and is easy to set up as well. It is, however, not designed especially for trucking.

Main Features

The Nuvi 2797LMT offers a real voice guide that guides you if there are any well-known or recognizable landmarks. It also offers lane assistance and guides you in which lane should the driver be. Junction view is also available for this unit, and there are customizable displays for the data fields. If you want to display more information, you can go to the settings and add extra fields to make it more customized to make it easier to merge on a roadway.

It comes with detailed maps and provides updates for free. It is Bluetooth-compatible which helps the user drive easily while listening to the directions. The processor of this truck GPS is quite fast as well, and the satellite acquisition won’t let you wait for long.

The TomTom Truck GPS offers a safe and secure driving option to the drivers and is infused with all the latest features that are necessary for a GPS tracking system. It offers an accurate routing system and has an easy-to-use interface.

Main Features

The TomTom VIA 1535TM has a sleek and slim design and has an easy mounting option. It has different color combinations for the day and night modes which look attractive. The display measures 5″, and the whole design is a sturdy and elegant one. It is very easy to set up, and the interface is very user-friendly. It offers a Bluetooth hands-free mode and a flash memory of 2 GB for storing maps. You can also change from various configurations which offer an improved functionality to the user.

This truck GPS has more than one million miles of maps of the US saved in its system. The good thing is that the app provides continuous updates so that the changes can be adjusted and updated accordingly. The voice recognition function is also a good way to locate different addresses and make it easier for people to get to their destination.

The Garmin RV 760LMT has a large screen with an amazing resolution and is ideal for truck drivers. It has specialized features which make it perfect for routing and tracking purposes. It allows the driver to keep track of the route and stay alert during the drive.

Main Features

This truck GPS has a 7″ screen which is wide and bright enough to make it easier for the truck drivers to read. The specialized routing services are also customizable, and you can adjust them according to the truck’s specifications. The truck GPS unit will also alert you for lateral wind, grounding, sharp curve, tree overhang, steep hill, and state borders and inform you prior to the situation. It also offers a voice-activated navigation feature which makes it very easy for the drivers to give verbal commands to the system.

This truck GPS is very capable and has excellent features that allow the driver to drive safely and peacefully.

Main Features

The Rand McNally TND 720 LM boasts a fast processor and top-notch hardware. It comes with updated systems such as graphics and maps and displays it on a large and clear screen. It has a Tell Rand option that offers a flexible driving option to the drivers. This truck GPS is very tough and has a sturdy and durable design, so it can be used for long and hard trips so that you can have a trouble-free experience.

The customized truck routing feature keeps the driver on the safest and easiest routes so that the task is completed in less time. If you want, you can set warnings and alerts for construction sites, sharp curves, hills, and pits. It is very durable and is built to maximize performance. The Wi-Fi connectivity of this GPS also brings smooth and fast updates of the current traffic.

Garmin Dezl 760 LMT is a capable and efficient truck GPS with customizable features. It mounts easily onto the windshield and has an easy-to-read display too. The product is very easy to set up and use.

Main Features

This truck GPS has a very high resolution which makes the viewing and reading experience enjoyable for the truck driver. The screen measures 7″ and has a color display with backlight. It offers lifetime updates for traffic and maps and has a specialized truck routing feature that makes it easier for truck drivers to route and map during the drive. There are some customizable restrictions which include weight, height, width, hazardous materials, and length. The product is very lightweight and portable and can be detached easily when needed.

The Garmin Dezl 560LMT is a very customizable and highly accurate truck GPS and is designed for long drives. This device is very easy to use and has an amazing display that gives an enjoyable experience to drivers.

Main Features

The Garmin Dezl 560LMT has a 5″ display which is clear and crisp and allows the driver to see even the smallest details that appear on the screen. The display is sharp and clear enough to be viewed even in low light conditions. There are large on-screen menus and buttons that allow the driver to quickly select any option and navigate through them. The mount is very easy to use and sturdy, and the device doesn’t fall or hang when the truck goes through bumps on the road. It offers live traffic updates, free lifetime map updates, junction view, and lane guidance and comes with several useful accessories. It also comes with a USB cord to add music and pictures to the device.

Pros

It is highly customizable.

You can easily personalize the routes.

It offers a 3D view of the map.

It allows you to choose between lane guidance, speed limits, and route information.

Garmin is well-known for manufacturing high-quality and advanced GPS units. The Garmin Dezl 770LMTHD truck GPS is a very reliable and efficient one as it offers a customized option to its users. This GPS is very popular among truck drivers.

Main Features

The Garmin Dezl 770LMTHD has a solid and sturdy design with a 7″ glass display. Once attached or mounted onto the truck, it is very difficult to detach it. It is specially designed for truck drivers and has a built-in trailer and truck service directory to make it easier for drivers. It offers customized tracking according to the size, weight, and model of the truck. It delivers clear, spoken directions, hands-free dialing using Bluetooth technology, touchscreen, and route planning. This truck GPS is also compatible with cameras, and you can mount a camera on the back of the truck to have a look at the situation. Some additional features include lifetime traffic avoidance, the addition of preferred routes, the addition of stops to routes, maintenance, fuel logging, and road warnings for bridges and weight limits.

Pros

It has a voice-activated navigation system which allows hands-free use.

It offers Bluetooth calling.

It is compatible with cameras so that you can see clearly while reversing.

We have another Rand McNally truck GPS on our list as this company manufactures amazing tracking systems. The Rand McNally TND520 is a reliable truck GPS that allows the user to enjoy updated graphics and fast processing. Though the screen is smaller as compared to other truck GPS systems, it has other features that will help you.

Main Features

The screen is bright and clear and thus, it is very convenient for the drivers to read it. It is very customizable and makes sure that the driver takes the safest route possible. Its notable features include fuel log, local searches, current weather conditions, and map overlays. With this truck GPS, you will always know what’s coming ahead as it will display everything before you reach it. You can also choose between the different alternate routes and calculate mileage using a quick planner to take the safest and quickest route. It has a windshield mount and comes with a USB cable and vehicle charger as well.

Pros

It provides current weather updates and forecasts.

It provides fuel logs and fuel prices.

It allows you to perform local searches to find restaurants and other places.

Rand McNally tracking systems are one of the best on the market as they are made up of top-notch quality components and use advanced technology. They are very easy to use and are packed with numerous features to make tracking easier.

Main Features

The Rand McNally 528013076 IntelliRoute provides detailed navigation, and its mapping system is one of the most accurate systems available. It also provides information regarding optimal routes and comes with preloaded apps for news, email, document imaging, accounting, fuel manager, load board, and entertainment. This truck GPS provides continuous updates so that the driver gets the best information regarding the traffic situation, accidents, construction sites, and more. The good thing is that it indicates only those routes that are the safest and fastest to improve driving time. It is packed with features that assist the driver such as truck stops, towing services, rest stops, lodging, weighing stations, and more. This truck GPS is a very versatile one with lots of connectivity features. It can be installed easily and can be detached too whenever you want.

Pros

It has an amazing processing power.

It is packed with amazing route planning capabilities.

It has a built-in dash cam.

It offers truck-specific navigation and other tools for trip planning.

Garmin is a well-known name in the automobile industry because it manufactures high-quality car accessories and tracking systems. The Garmin Dezl 760LMT is an advanced and easy-to-use truck GPS which allows the drivers to reach their destinations easily.

Main Features

This truck GPS is designed for professional drivers and features road coverage and last-mile routing features. These features are not common as they aren’t present in other GPS trackers. It also offers AURA alerts that give notifications to the driver if there are any sharp curves, intersections, speed signs, and hills so that you can drive safe and alert. It has a thin and simple design and a large 7″ display that provides a crisp and clear image of everything. The graphics are quite enhanced, and they make the viewing experience more enjoyable for the drivers. Some other features include fuel log, touch screen, and junction view along with lane assistance.

Bottom Line

The truck GPS units listed in this post are some of the best and designed specifically for truck drivers. The features available with these truck GPS units are not available in other typical GPS units and thus, it will be difficult to use another device that is not in accordance with the weight and size of your truck. As a truck driver or truck owner, you will feel a big difference in performance and productivity using one of the truck GPS units reviewed here. Our top picks are the Rand McNally TND740 and Garmin Dezl 770LMTHD, which are no doubt the best ones on the market.

Truck GPS System Buying Guide

How Do GPS Systems Work?

A truck GPS is necessary if you want to improve the delivery times and manage your vehicle in a better way. The first thing to understand before using this technology is how it works.

A truck GPS helps you keep track of their vehicles and drivers. This GPS-enabled system is installed on a truck, and it transmits data through a satellite or cellular network. The data delivered by the device is accepted by the hosted app, which can be accessed by using the web.

Using this GPS, you can get real-time updates regarding the location, speed, direction, start/stop time, and more. A truck GPS provides automated reports and gives alerts on different types of happenings. It contains a user-friendly web-based interface that can be accessed by the driver as well for routing and mapping purposes.

Things to Consider When Buying a GPS for Your Truck

GPS tracking systems have increased in popularity, and they are used by many businesses to improve their productivity. A truck GPS ensures safety and security by gathering the data regarding the real-time location of the vehicle. If you are going to buy a truck GPS system, you must consider some factors so that you can choose the best one for your needs. Following are the main factors that should be considered:

Passive vs. Real-Time Tracking

The most important factor to consider is to choose between a passive or a real-time truck GPS. In a passive tracking system, all GPS data is stored in the receiver unit and is easily downloadable when the truck has returned. To download the data onto a local server, you will need a Wi-Fi service. A passive tracking system collects data every 30 seconds and can store it for 7 to 60 days.

Real-time tracking systems, on the other hand, use a satellite modem and update the server on a continuous basis. The frequency of data transmission will depend on the server. It can even deliver data every 15 seconds. With a real-time tracking system, there is no loss of data, while in a passive tracking system, the data gets lost if the memory is not enough.

Alerts and Notifications

Some truck GPS systems have a great alert and notification system, while others don’t. For a truck GPS, alerts and notifications play a vital role in its performance. This feature is available with only the active or real-time tracking systems because, with the passive systems, data can be collected only when the vehicle returns. Hence, if you want a device that provides real-time information along with alerts and notifications, you must consider buying one with an active tracking system.

Some advanced GPS will also allow you to schedule alerts for different purposes such as speeding, idle time, or entering a particular area.

Cost

The cost of most truck GPS systems is more or less the same. However, passive truck tracking systems are cheaper than the active ones. If you are tight on budget, you can consider buying a passive tracking system which collects data and stores it. However, with the advancement of technology, the cost of active tracking systems has decreased to a big extent and now, there is only a small difference between the costs of the two tracking systems.

Mounting Options

Another factor to consider is the mounting option of the truck GPS. Make sure that the truck GPS you are going to buy has a good mounting system so that the driver doesn’t have to hold it in their hands or place it somewhere unsafe. All portable truck GPS systems have mounting options and can be easily placed or mounted at a place where they are easily viewable by the driver. Buy a truck GPS that is best suited for your vehicle and can be easily mounted anywhere you want.

You have a pretty impressive list of GPS systems and a detailed buying guide. I personally use a TomTom GPS system since last year and haven’t had any complaints so far. I believe that TomTom GPS systems are quite dependable and I have included them on my website as well. Thank you!